Forties People

Demand for human resources (HR) jobs has increased by nearly one-third over the last year, new research has discovered.

The Monster Employment Index (MEI) shows that there are now 32 per cent more roles available in HR in comparison to last year, while general jobs in every sector advertised online are also on the rise. HR roles did suffer a minor decline on February's figures - a one point fall - but the general upward trend in the market in comparison to recent years continues.

These figures concur with the recent Report on Jobs document from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG, which showed that the number of people in permanent employment in the UK had grown at its fastest rate since October 1997.

Public relations, media and marketing were the sector leaders in terms of monthly growth and sports and leisure, entertainment and the arts were shown to have the strongest rise year-on-year. The report suggests that London and the south-east are currently, along with north England, the best regions to find HR jobs.

Jonathan Der, economist researcher at Monster Worldwide, told Personnel Today: "The HR index was basically at the same level as it was in February and if you look at the long-term growth trend, showing a 32 per cent rise year-on-year, HR is significantly better than it was a year ago."

Posted by Daniel Frost